Chapter 198: Chapter 187: Dual Cultivation

Shang Jianfei explained, "The cave mansion has its restrictions, it can only be opened by those who have cultivated the Fiery Sun Divine Skill. Moreover, those above the Divine Treasure Realm cannot enter."

"The key is hidden at the very core. Cultivators of the Fiery Sun Divine Skill cannot approach it. According to the Sea Suppression King’s expectations, it requires the combined effort of three First-Grade cultivators to extract the key."

With this explanation, Chen Ming understood that this was clearly designed by the Emperor of Eternal Life.

Then again, what technology was used to build that cave mansion?

Not only does it have Gang Qi certification, intelligent restrictions, but it also has operated for thousands of years without any damage.

For today’s Great Jin, this is undoubtedly the technology of the Zenith Star.

Chen Ming felt that the power ceiling of this world probably far exceeds the scope of the Martial Dao.

He asked, "I see, then how should I open the cave mansion?"

Shang Jianfei finally cast his gaze on the woman in Chen Ming’s arms, "This journey is fraught with danger, are you sure you want to bring her along?"

Chen Ming glanced at Yu Haitang, who was pretending to be unconscious with her eyes closed, and said, "I have reasons for having to bring her."

"Alright."

Seeing this, Shang Jianfei said no more and gestured for Chen Ming to come over.

Chen Ming stepped forward, and on his fourth step, it felt as if he passed through a membrane, and an astonishing heat surged from the ground, as if there were flames beneath baking the surface.

He felt as if the soles of his shoes were about to melt.

The temperature here must be at least seventy to eighty degrees; if not for his cultivation of inherently hot True Qi, he wouldn’t be able to withstand it.

He had some doubts about their words earlier, though now his skepticism was put to rest, as it seemed there really might be a Fire Vein underground ready to burst forth.

Shang Jianfei said, "Do you see that black stone? Place your hand on it and input your True Qi."

Chen Ming had long noticed the black stone between the two of them.

At that moment, there was a sudden boom.

The whole house was lifted by an invisible force, and dozens of people outside surged in, surrounding the four of them.

Judging by their demeanor, they were waiting for Chen Ming to open the cave mansion so they could rush in and grab the key.

Before their watchful eyes, Chen Ming extended a hand and pressed it on the black stone, injecting the True Qi of the Profound Fire True Skill.

In an instant, the black stone lit up slightly.

He felt as if the stone had a life of its own, like a container, as he continued to inject True Qi into it. In a moment, the stone became increasingly bright.

After inputting nearly thirty percent of his True Qi, the stone seemed to ignite, and with a rumble, a dark entrance cracked open in the ground.

"Why is no one entering?"

Chen Ming waited for a while, surprised to see the group remain motionless. Initially, he thought they would scramble to be the first inside, yet no one moved.

Then, a hoarse voice sounded, "If you please, Master Chen, lead the way."

Only then did Chen Ming realize that they were waiting for him to blaze the trail.

All said and done, these people were indeed cautious, worthy of being major powers.

He believed that those able to come here likely had leaders from the Divine Treasure Realm; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to enter.

With Divine Treasure Realm experts in command, they represented the pinnacle of power within a province.

Chen Ming said nothing as he tightened his grip on the "Mingfeng Sword," glanced at Shang Jianfei and Yuan Zhixing, and said, "I will go in first."

Then, with a gentle leap, he jumped into the dark entrance.

...

Hot!

So hot!

Chen Ming felt as if he had entered a furnace, the surrounding air was like burning flames, making him feel like his clothes were about to scorch.

At the same time, he felt as if he had entered a womb, the flames providing nourishment like amniotic fluid, his True Qi cheering and rejuvenating at dozens of times the usual speed.

The sensation was incredibly exhilarating.

This place was practically his home ground.

Chen Ming even felt his cultivation improving bit by bit, and looking at the panel, he found that the Five Elements True Skill (Missing) automatically advanced every few seconds.

Training in such a place, in a few months at most, he could break through to Third-Grade directly.

At this moment, he heard the sound of wind behind him as others began to enter.

Chen Ming intended to evade but suddenly felt a tight grip on his shoulder, followed by an agreeable voice, "Master Chen, please join us."

As this was spoken, a gentle light illuminated the originally dark environment—it was a Luminous Pearl.

He could see who had grabbed him and dared not struggle.

The person wore a golden robe, none other than the Third-Grade Admiral of the Six Gates, at least a Third-Grade expert.

Speaking was a radiant young lady adorned in palace attire, smiling while her gaze shifted to Yu Haitang in Chen Ming’s arms.

If he guessed right, this palace-attired young lady should be Princess Mingyu, as she’s the only one worthy to stand beside a Six Gates red robe.

Chen Ming noticed that the Six Gates had sent two golden robes and Princess Mingyu, totaling three people. Zhao Shouchang, however, did not accompany them.

Before he could speak, he saw another six groups arrive, maintaining a certain distance while revealing light sources that illuminated the surroundings.

These seven groups were highly vigilant of one another yet remained restrained, evidently unwilling to turn on each other before finding the key.

Additionally, the six other groups saw that Chen Ming was being controlled by Six Gates and said nothing.

"We request Young Master Chen to lead the way ahead."

The voice was still raspy, coming from an elder. Chen Ming wasn’t sure which faction he belonged to, but he could feel an animosity from this person.

Without speaking, Chen Ming surveyed the surroundings and found themselves in a vast cavern. Ahead of them was a deep passageway leading somewhere unknown.

As he regulated his breathing, he recovered the expended Gang Qi and stepped forward.

The Golden Robe Admiral also released his hand.

At this moment, though his hand still rested on Yu Haitang’s back, he no longer infused Gang Qi. He realized it was unnecessary.

Yu Haitang was also absorbing the surrounding Fire Element Qi, and at some point, she had already condensed True Qi from the "Profound Fire True Skill" within her body.

This meant that not only had she almost completely recovered, but she had successfully dual cultivated this True Skill.

Chen Ming breathed a sigh of relief; with one less burden, his chances of survival increased greatly. When the opportunity arose, he would send her to Lady Yu...

As he was contemplating, he suddenly felt a flow of True Qi back from her back, surging through the Laogong point in his palm and into his body.

It was the purest Wood Attribute Gang Qi.

"What does this mean?"

He was taken aback. Immediately, he sensed that the Wood Attribute Gang Qi was slightly different from his own. As he tried to further analyze this difference, the foreign True Qi was "ignited" by his internal Fire Attribute True Qi.

Once the True Qi burned out, nothing was left.

No—

Soon, Chen Ming felt the difference.

After the Fire Attribute True Qi burned, it seemed purer and more lively.

"Can it be like this?" 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

He quickly understood the reason behind it. According to the theory of the Five Elements, wood generates fire; her Wood Attribute Gang Qi caused a wondrous change to his Fire Attribute Gang Qi.

This could be considered a form of "dual cultivation," right?

Yu Haitang continuously transmitted "Profound Wood True Skill" Gang Qi, assisting him in purifying his Fire Attribute Gang Qi.

He glanced at the panel and noticed that the experience points of "Five Elements True Skill (Missing)" were increasing faster, seemingly adding a point every second.

If that’s the case...

Chen Ming suddenly extended his right hand, joining it with hers. With a thought, he transferred a strand of "Mystic Water True Skill" Gang Qi over.

Since wood can give rise to fire, then water can generate wood.

Coincidentally, he also cultivated the "Mystic Water True Skill."

Yu Haitang’s body trembled slightly, even stopping the Wood Attribute Gang Qi she transmitted, showing her shock.

After a few seconds, she resumed.

In this way, the two of them formed a perfect cycle within their bodies.

Chen Ming’s Water Gang Qi purified her Wood Gang Qi, which then helped him purify his Fire Gang Qi.

Their small maneuvers didn’t attract anyone’s attention.

As they continued deeper, the surrounding Fire Elemental Power grew more intense, forcing everyone to use their skills in resistance, isolating the scorching atmosphere outside with Protective True Gang.

In such an environment, everyone’s abilities were inevitably affected. Only Chen Ming, having cultivated the "Profound Fire True Skill," felt at ease.

After walking two or three miles, a flicker of red light suddenly appeared ahead.

Everyone braced themselves and instinctively slowed their steps.

Chen Ming, however, quickened his pace, feeling an intimate aura as if calling him. The more he advanced, the livelier the Fire Attribute Gang Qi became.

After passing the end of the passage, another large cavern appeared ahead. A red vine hung from the top, with a fruit like a pearl at its end, emitting a red glow.

"Fire Element Pearl!"

Upon seeing that red pearl, Chen Ming guessed it must be the Fire Element Pearl Shang Jianfei mentioned.

Formed from the most refined Fire Element Power gathered from the underground Fire Vein, the pearl was destined for extraction and relocation out of the cave.

Thus, the cave could continue functioning, absorbing the fire from the vein without the risk of eruptive hazards.

Chen Ming gazed up at the red pearl, filled with a strong desire to consume it.

Shortly, the others arrived, each reacting differently upon seeing the Fire Element Pearl.

Someone chuckled, "A pearl formed from purest Fire Element Power — what a treasure! It’s perfect for forging Divine Weapons!"

The tone was somewhat sarcastic, highlighting the stone’s value with apparent ill intentions.

Chen Ming recognized it as from someone from the Blood Demon Sect.

Then, the Golden Robe Admiral spoke again, "No one’s been here for over twenty years; there’s more than one Fire Element Pearl. There’s no need to quarrel over it; why not split them? This first one can belong to Young Master Chen."

"Sir Jin’s suggestion is good."

"Indeed, it echoes my sentiments."

"..."

Thus, the proposal was accepted.

The Golden Sir addressed Chen Ming, "Young Master Chen, please go ahead."